Chaos and Vandalism During Messi’s Kolkata Visit; Mamata Apologizes
Sports Desk
Published: 14 December 2025, 11:15 am
Lionel Messi arrived in India for a three-day visit, reaching Kolkata late Friday night. Despite tight security, thousands of fans had gathered outside the airport to catch a glimpse of the football star. On Saturday, Salt Lake Stadium and Jadavpur University (Yuva Bharati) were expected to host massive crowds—but the enthusiasm of the fans quickly escalated into chaos.
The event had to be temporarily halted, and Messi spent only about 20 minutes inside the stadium, leaving many fans disappointed. One attendee remarked that Messi appeared “like a tiny bird from afar,” while another shared that they had left their wedding to see him.
After Messi left Salt Lake Stadium, frustrated fans began vandalizing the venue—throwing chairs and breaking the dugout canopy—making the stadium appear as if it had suffered a natural disaster. Similar reports of looting emerged from the Yuva Bharati venue.
According to Kolkata-based media Anandabazar, Shatadru, the main organizer responsible for bringing Messi to India, was arrested at the airport. Messi’s next destinations were scheduled to be Hyderabad, then Mumbai, and finally Delhi. Shatadru’s arrest has raised concerns over whether the remaining events will proceed as planned.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed regret over the chaotic events surrounding Messi’s visit. In a social media post, she wrote that she was “shocked and distressed” by the mismanagement at Salt Lake Stadium. She apologized to Messi, sports enthusiasts, and his fans, stating, “Thousands had gathered to see Messi. I was there midway. I sincerely apologize to Messi and all his fans for this unfortunate incident.” She also announced that a rapid inquiry committee has been ordered to investigate the situation.
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